Lakers' Redick: Bronny James 'Really Unique' and 'Disruptive' After Preseason Debut

Los Angeles Lakers 2024 second-round pick Bronny James didn't stuff the stat sheet in his preseason debut on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he did enough to earn some praise from his head coach.

After James finished with two points, a rebound, an assist and a game-high three blocks in 16 minutes of action in a 124-107 loss, Lakers first-year head coach JJ Redick said he was impressed with the 19-year-old's defensive impact.

"He can do some things defensively at his size that are really unique, and I think can turn into a really disruptive defender," Redick said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "That manifested itself."

James shot just 1-of-6 from the field, but he didn't let his offensive struggles slow down his effort on the other end of the floor. His first taste of NBA action came with his legendary father, Lakers star LeBron James, watching from the bench.

While the youngster still has areas that need developing, Redick added that he's been encouraged by what he's seen so far and also praised him for his attitude.

"On the offensive end, he's still figuring out who he is. That's our job as a player development program just to build him in," Redick said. "But truthfully, he's so easy to coach. He's got a great soul. And just a great energy about him. I like being around him. I'm rooting for him. He's a good player that we're happy to have in our program."

The Lakers will play their second preseason game on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns and Redick said he expects LeBron to be active, which could mark the first time the father-son duo appears in a game together.